Kansas House Panel Passes Bill to Limit Property Tax Hikes

Legislation would allow taxpayers to protest increases above 3% through petition process

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Kansas House Taxation Committee has approved a bill that would allow taxpayers to block city or county property tax increases of more than 3% above the previous year's total through a protest-petition process. The bill, which now heads to the full House, would require petition signatures from 10% of those who voted in the previous presidential election to prevent the tax revenue growth from exceeding 3%, excluding new construction or building improvements.

Why it matters

This legislation is aimed at reining in rising property taxes in Kansas, which have been a major concern for many families and businesses. Supporters argue it will provide much-needed tax relief, while critics contend it undermines local government accountability and could force cuts to essential services.

The details

The House Taxation Committee approved an amendment to remove a provision that would have required special public votes to resolve objections to property tax increases above the 3% threshold. Instead, the bill now includes a protest-petition process. The committee also approved exemptions for property taxes related to economic development programs and a $60 million annual state fund to reward cities and counties that limit tax hikes. However, the committee rejected attempts to apply the bill's provisions to the state government and public school districts.

  • The House Taxation Committee approved the bill on February 17, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the full Kansas House for consideration.

The players

Rep. Dawn Wolf

A Republican state representative from Bennington who said the bill is aimed at addressing taxpayer concerns about property tax growth.

Rep. Rui Xu

A Democratic state representative from Westwood who expressed concerns that the 10% petition threshold was too low and would allow a small minority to block tax increases.

Nathan Eberline

Executive director of the League of Kansas Municipalities, who argued the bill "weakens local accountability, destabilizes municipal finance, increases taxpayer costs and fails to address the primary drivers of rising property tax bills."

Alan Dinkel

Interim administrator of Ellsworth, who said the bill was an "overreach by the state into affairs of local government" and that "each city needs to determine their future and not be limited by the Legislature."

Aaron Popelka

An attorney and lobbyist at the Kansas Livestock Association, which supports the bill because it would impose limits on property tax increases.

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What they’re saying

“The whole point of people yelling at us and wanting us to get our taxes in line is because they don't want them to grow over 3%.”

— Rep. Dawn Wolf, Republican state representative (Kansas Reflector)

“In many cities the size of mine, you will always find 10% of people who will vote against the city budget.”

— Rep. Rui Xu, Democratic state representative (Kansas Reflector)

“The bill weakens local accountability, destabilizes municipal finance, increases taxpayer costs and fails to address the primary drivers of rising property tax bills.”

— Nathan Eberline, Executive director, League of Kansas Municipalities (Kansas Reflector)

“Exempting school districts and the state is a clear indication that the Legislature was unwilling to follow the rules regarding taxation and budgeting that they are asking cities to follow.”

— Alan Dinkel, Interim administrator, Ellsworth (Kansas Reflector)

“HB 2745 replaces local accountability with a blunt statewide formula that does not reflect how communities actually function. It adds complexity, cost and uncertainty while undermining responsible financial planning.”

— Jason Hannaman, Finance director, Prairie Village (Kansas Reflector)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the full Kansas House for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate in Kansas over property taxes and the balance between providing tax relief for residents and preserving local government autonomy and funding for essential services. The outcome could have significant implications for cities and counties across the state.